Mark Foley, with an address at apartment 22 at Waterside in Rosbercon was charged with obstructing Gardai on July 10, 2011 at Assumption Terrace and with the same offence on August 28, 2011 at the Irishtown.

Inspector Pat Cody explained that on the night of July 10 Gardai responded to a call at Assumption Terrace at 12.50 a.m. where they met with the defendant who was acting in a threatening manner.

'He threatened Gardai to kick their heads in if they came near him,' said the Inspector, adding that as the defendant was arrested he became violent towards Gardai and continued with his aggressive behaviour in the Garda Station.

A few weeks later in the Irishtown around 8.10 p.m. on August 28 the defendant was drunk and shouting abuse at Gardai.

'He threatened to box the heads of Gardai if they came closer,' said the Inspector, who further explained that he resisted arrest and assaulted Gardai. Back in the Garda Station he spat blood at Gardai and made a number of threats.

Defence solicitor Gerry Flynn explained that his client has been entirely drug free and has stayed away from alcohol since the start of the year.

'I believe he hasn't come to the attention of Gardai since January,' said Mr. Flynn. 'He has disengaged with what was the root of all his problems which was primarily drugs and secondly alcohol,' he added.